logoyoyo

Cornhusker Bank, a community bank from Nebraska unveiled it’s new logo this week. It was designed by Lincoln multimedia firm Snitily Carr.

The company spin:
“The new logo keeps Cornhusker’s signature ear of corn but presents it in a more modern, stylized way. It’s the first update fo the bank’s logo in 47 years. [It] will appeal to modern customers and showcase its “innovative, pioneering spirit” while staying true to its 104-year local heritage.”

My take:
What is it with banks? You just have to look at them the wrong way and they change their logo. In this case though it was long overdue. The old logo looks straight out of a Doris Day movie. The new one is a big improvement. But… I’m not sure anyone who wasn’t aware of the old corn branding would see any semblance of corn in the new logo.

The hotel chain Days Inn is rolling out a new identity - its first change in 37 years.

The company spin:
“The new logo retains the sun and silhouette, supplementing them with vibrant colors, intricate forms and softer typography. It signals a new day rising - where exceptional customer service is key to the guest experience.”

My take:
A wonderful refresh. I look at the old logo and think of cheap TVs bolted to a hotel room wall. The new logo makes me think of beach views and fancy hotel swimming pools. I especially appreciate how they have kept the distinctive feel of the old brand while bringing it well and truly up to date.

From January 2008 the investment firm Skandia Group will rollout a new logo that is based on an existing Skandia logo, one that has been used for sailing sponsorships since 2003.

The company spin:
“The new logo represents a modern, approachable style which reflects Skandia’s reputation for innovation in savings and investments. This is the first time Skandia will have a uniform logo in all parts of the company, while the change to the colour green clearly identifies it as part of its parent, the Old Mutual Group.”

My take:
The old logo while looking a tad dated does have its charms, and it’s “umbrella from the top down” has a certain dynamism about it. Whereas, while new logo is fresh, and I like the semi-colon idea that could work well with Skandias branding (eg. “skandia:investments”), overall it’s a little like my Uncle Tony; nice, but just doesn’t DO anything.

Jonestown Bank a community bank in Pennsylvania, has a new logo as part of it’s rebranding effort.

The company spin:
“Today’s clients prefer even more friendliness, personalized service and convenience than ever. Our identity should reflect that. The new logo is now friendlier looking and adds a smile, symbolizing our commitment to providing total customer satisfaction.”

My take:
The new logo is very well done. Who says banks have to have dowdy, staid logos? The banks intention was to put forward a friendly face to its customers, and it has succeeded admirably. I don’t know who designed it, but they have done a great job. The font is nicely rounded (fitting the ‘friendly’ theme) and carefully kerned. The ’smile’ works well, and I like how they didn’t go overboard in making the B and T into eyes. Finally, the color scheme works as well - corporate yet friendly.

QVC, a leading home shopping channel, has rebranded with a new color scheme, marketing material and a new logo.

The company spin:
“The “Q” is representative of the shorthand that was coined by the QVC customer to define the brand. Formed by a ribbon in the shape of a “Q”, the new logo suggests the feeling of a package that’s being opened.”

My take:
Well it looks a lot better than their old logo. Stronger and more distinct, it will lend itself well to a variety of marketing media. But having said that, I can’t look at it without seeing the Quicktime Q, as I’m sure others will point out too. Also, can I put on my picky hat for a moment, and point out that you can’t have “a ribbon in the shape of a Q” - ribbons won’t go in a circle like that. Maybe a four cornered Q could have worked?

The city of Chicago’s second attempt at an Olympic logo features a six-point star surrounded by a banner of colors. In May, the International Olympic Committee said Chicago couldn’t use its first design because using the Olympic torch is against IOC rules.

The committee spin:
“The points of the star stand for hope, respect, harmony, friendship, excellence, and celebration. The star itself and the vertical bands of color in the design further suggest the ribbons, medals and recognition of excellence that the athletes earn when they compete at the Games.” There’s a lot more of this guff at the official site.

My take:
I’ve read a few negative reports of this new logo, along the lines of “boring” or “bring back the skyline”, but I think this is actually the stronger of the two logos. Sure a star may not be as recognizable to Chicagoans as their skyline, but for the rest of the world this logo works quite well. It’s classy, pretty, has better dimensions. And it’s a magnitude better than the London 2012 logo.